Epstein Talks Garza, Wood and All Things Cubs

There was not a shortage of news on the first day of the Cubs Caravan. As the team moves closer to the annual convention this weekend, Theo Epstein addressed several of the hot topics surrounding his team … including the Matt Garza rumors and Kerry Wood.

“Let’s try to downplay this. I can truly say more has happened in the media with this than has happened in reality. It has not been an everyday (thing). There’s no attempt to shop him every day. As we do with all our players, we’re kind of weighing all our options to see what’s best for the Cubs.”

Epstein said the Cubs are weighing all of their options. They think highly of Garza and believe he is a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. With that said, Epstein admitted that “sometimes it makes sense to way your option and see if you can put yourself in a better position for the long haul.”

Theo Epstein added that they are looking forward to Matt Garza being on the mound for the Cubs during the upcoming season.

Tony Campana has been working out at ‘Camp Bussy‘ and put on ten pounds of muscle. Campana focused on building his upper body strength. Several players have been out in Mesa working with Tim Buss this off-season.

Cubs Rookie Development ProgramTheo Epstein is planning on introducing a rookie development program for the Cubs similar to the one he created for the Red Sox.

“When you have a lot of young players at the big-league level, often times you forget just how new they are to this whole thing — professional baseball, the responsibility that comes with it, the importance of representing the organization the right way (and) being a good teammate. Organizations that just assume that they’ll figure it out on their own make a big mistake. We’re going to teach them what’s it’s like to be a big-leaguer, set the expectations for them and give them tools on how to meet those expectations, everything from how to deal with the media to how to say ‘no’ to people off-the-field that want things from them.”

“It’s how to properly handle themselves in the hotel or out on the town. It’s an important part. You can’t make assumptions that guys know how to handle themselves. You need to work with them. You want an organization that projects the right image. To make a positive impact on the community, you have to work to get it. The players are the ones who are going to dictate how that goes. We need to support them every step of the way.”

“I think it’s important to be open with the fans about what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, what the plan is. I think if you do that, and you’re true to your word, and you’re not trying to hide the ball, I think they’ll get in on the ground floor and come along for the ride. I just urge everyone to stay on board. When we do win, it’s going to mean a lot more to everyone whose been on the ground floor and been through the ups and downs, got to know these young players, see them come through the minor league system, watch them take their lumps a little bit at the big leagues and ultimately triumph. It means so much more if you’re along for the journey. The journey’s really what it’s all about.”

“Baseball organizations are made up of human beings. They’re just not robots who put up numbers. They’re not commodities. I know I refer to a player as an asset. That’s business speak. That’s not what I believe. They’re human beings. You can get a lot better just by getting to know guys and putting them in a position to succeed and allowing them to get to know you a little bit and building, I think, a real spirit of the organization of unity and teamwork.”

News, Notes and RumorsRandy Wells is expecting another competitive spring with the pitching options Dale Sveum will have to choose from for his rotation. Wells would prefer to start but is willing to pitch out of the pen if that is what the Cubs need him to do.